In the Speaking module – the oral exam – you speak in three parts, usually in a small group. Here are the structure, useful phrases and examples for each part.
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Key takeaways
Speaking – the oral exam – is the fourth module of the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exam. You speak in three parts, usually in a small group with other participants. The exam lasts around 15 minutes. You speak with the others and with the examiner.
It tests whether you can communicate in simple everyday situations: introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and make a request. It’s not about perfect grammar, but about being understood and responding to the others.
The three parts call for three simple abilities: in Part 1 you introduce yourself, in Part 2 you ask a question using a keyword and answer the others’ questions, in Part 3 you ask for something (with a picture card) and respond to requests. Fixed phrases help you speak confidently.
The tasks are simple and close to everyday life. The most common hurdle is not the grammar, but speaking freely and responding. Very doable with a few phrases.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Introduce yourself | Introduction | Introducing yourself | 1 | 5 |
| Part 2 – Ask questions | Question–answer | Asking & answering questions | 1 | 5 |
| Part 3 – Make requests | Request–response | Requesting & responding | 1 | 5 |
Each part has fixed phrases: introduce yourself, ask a question, request something. Learn a small set by heart and you’ll speak more confidently.
Don’t answer with just one word. Say “Ich heiße …” or “Ich komme aus …” – full, simple sentences are enough.
The exam is a group conversation. Listen to the others and answer their questions.
In Part 2 you get a topic and a word. Use them to form a simple question, for example “Wie viel kostet das Brot?”.
In Part 3 you ask for something (“Können Sie bitte …?”) and respond to the partner’s request (“Ja, gern.”).
If a word escapes you, say it differently or ask. What matters is that you stay in the conversation.
Try this section in the real exam format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
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Learn a small set of phrases for the three parts:
The topics in the oral exam come from everyday life:
Read this guide and look at an example of the oral exam: how do the three parts run?
Practice introducing yourself: name, country, language, place of residence, hobby. Also practice spelling a word and saying a number.
Practice forming a simple question with a keyword and answering the others’ questions.
Practice polite requests (“Können Sie bitte …?”) and responding to a request.
Review simple vocabulary and practice numbers, prices and spelling.
Run through all three parts with someone – introduce yourself, ask questions, request.
Have your speaking assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores speaking automatically.
It has three parts: Part 1 (introduce yourself), Part 2 (ask for and give information) and Part 3 (make requests and respond to them). It lasts around 15 minutes, usually in a small group.
Usually in a small group with other participants. You speak with the others and with the examiner.
You introduce yourself: name, country, language, place of residence, age, occupation or hobby. Often you also have to spell a word and say a number (e.g. a phone number).
Above all on whether you’re understood, whether you fulfill the task and respond to the others. Perfect grammar is not expected at A1.
Simple everyday topics like person and family, shopping, time or home. In Parts 2 and 3, keywords and picture cards help you.
Practice introducing yourself, simple questions and polite requests – best aloud and with a partner. At Prepliq you practice speaking with a mock that scores your answers automatically – the PDF answer key doesn’t cover speaking.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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